The Art of Maps: John Speed Atlas Online

The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine (thumbnail)

John Speed’s atlas, The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine, first published 400 years ago, has been digitized and put online by the Cambridge University Library, which possesses one of only five sets of proof maps. (Zoomify format; Flash required.) Print copies for sale. News coverage from the Daily Mail; a gallery of Speed’s maps from BBC News.

Paul on Extra Effort

“Whatever you do, work at it with
all your heart…

–Paul the Apostle

Colossians 3:23

Easter is the No. 2 top-selling candy holiday (behind Halloween) according to the National Confectioners Association. Each day, in preparation for the holiday, candy makers produce 5 million marshmallow chicks and bunnies. Each year, they produce 90 million chocolate bunnies and 16 billion jelly beans.

The reason the date of the celebration changes each year dates back to 325 A.D. It was set under the Roman emperor Constantine as the first Sunday after a full moon following the Spring equinox (that’s right… a full moon and an equinox). That makes it between March 22 and April 25 every year.